Bush Pilot Biking

Answers to your most vexing concerns…

What do you do for meals?

Usually we cook up fresh foods for breakfast and dinner. For lunches sometimes we will supply a basic picnic, other times we will hit a local deli or restaurant. Generally we include all meals as part of your trip, but if you really want to supply your own eats then we can make arrangements for you. Likewise if you have special dietary requirements. Vegetarians are easily accomodated. Just give us some advance warning, eh?

If we ride 10 or 12 000 vertical feet in a day, I’m buying everyone dinner.

Where do we sleep?

Well that really depends on where we are going, and to a certain degree on the group. In places that have them, we will stay in a lodge or chalet. Quite often we will “camp” at a farm or ranch. At any rate, after every day there’s good hot food, a dry place to hang out, and a warm bed to roll into after.

What kind of riding is it?

We do real world trail riding. There’s a bit of everything. We will tailor the trip to what you want to do, but expect it to be challenging in every respect. To really enjoy the trip, you should have good fitness and a decent set of bike handling skills. If you are worrying about the skills part, relax. You’ll be a pro after a couple of days.

How hard ARE these trails?

Depends on so many variables. Generally, we have found that everyone can handle a lot harder terrain than they might believe. On the flip side, just about everyone who comes here says that it’s a bit different than what they expected. If you are coming out for more than just a day or two, we don’t go to the North Shore right away. We will go somewhere a bit more forgiving first to get you up to speed, then hit the Shore at the end of the week to cap it off.

What’s so hard about these trails anyway?

In general, it’s just how long they are. Fatigue makes a huge difference to your abilities, and we can easily go 45 minutes downhill without stopping. We usually do a 3000′ downhill in 2-3 hours, but there are many 4000′ downhill’s and some are over 5000′.

If there is any one condition that seems to give people trouble, it’s the steeps. If you are into the steep stuff, let me know. It’s my favourite part about biking and I’ve got a TON of killer lines to hit.

Do I need insurance?

Yup. Please have proof of your own medical coverage when you come. We are very proud of our safety record and take every step possible to preserve that record but hey, it’s mountain biking.

What if I’m too old?

Our oldest client was 67 when he came out, and he rode mainly advanced (single black diamond) level trails. The average North Shore local is in his late 30′s / early 40′s.

I don’t know how to do huge gaps/skinny logs/big drops.

That’s OK. Neither do we. While the sky would seem to be the limit up here, most trails are pretty sensible. Any bigger moves are always optional, and we take good care in selecting suitable terrain for our clients.

Should I bring my own bike?

If you ride a very light and expensive XC style ride, then I would consider renting something. Why wreck your own bike when you can wreck a rental? It’s a good way to try out new gear. We have access to bikes by Cove Bikes, Kona, Specialized, Banshee, and Brodie. Availability varies, please call ahead.

If you are dialed in on your own rig, then by all means, bring it. If you ride something a little more exotic, please be sure to bring any back up parts (derailleur hangers, etc.). We carry a full tool kit and lots of small parts, but we can’t anticipate everything, eh?

Can you ride those trails on clipless pedals?

Sure, but it’s no advantage. I will carry a spare set of pedals and shoes when people show up with clipless set ups. To date, only one person used them for more than one lap, and he admitted that he was “just making a point.”

For maximum enjoyment, you should get a cheapo pair of flats and go out and do three or four hours on them at least before you get here. It’s always better to have the option available and not use it than the other way around.

Do we have to shuttle?

Nope, but you will probably want to. Even the descents have climbs in them, and many of the downhills are around three hours long (at least the first time you do them). Some trails are pedal access only. They tend to be in a little better shape so it’s invariably worth the effort, but it cuts into the total vertical.

Do we have to pedal up?

Nope, you can walk if you want. Actually, we can do a trip with no shuttles or with no pedaling, but the best trips involve a little of everything. Hey, it’s YOUR holiday. I’m just here for the food.

Will there be rain/snow/fog/hail/be sunny/frogs falling from the sky?

Yes

BC is a huge and geographically diverse area. It is mostly covered in mountains. As a result the weather is often very volatile and unpredictable. It’s possible to get snow at any time of year in the mountains, but it is unlikely in the summer months.

While Vancouver has a very wet reputation, it actually gets marginally more precipitation than New York or Montreal. We tend to get it all in the winter and spring. Summers and early fall are usually quite dry. Winters are also quite mild, with riding not only possible but also very good 12 months of the year. In fact, some of the best riding happens during dry cold snaps in the middle of winter.

Our home base in the Okanagan is at the northern tip of the Great American Desert. Typical summer daytime highs are in the range of 30 C (about 80F) , and we can experience days over 40C (105F).  It’s wine country, so be prepared for some dry heat.

I haven’t had a good frog shower in long time though.

If you are thinking that you might not have appropriate attire for the trip, just bring some extra cash for clothes. Several cutting edge mountain bike clothing companies are based here and we can get deals.

What about beer?

I’d love one thanks.